Open VPN questions

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ZollyMonsta

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#28779 11-Dec-2008 13:00

Hi There,

People have been suggesting I set up a VPN for my two computers so I can keep them in Sync via GoodSync.

Some questions.

Master PC is connected to cable modem via my Linksys Router (Running DDWRT 'mega').
It is also hosting an ftp server, and shoutcast streaming. I can access it via logmein.

Slave PC is connected direct to a cable modem. It must remain able to have remote connection via logmein.

It's been suggested that should I set up a VPN between the two, then this would mean that general internet usage on
one (Slave) if not both Slave and Master unable to be used. Is this correct?

I've also been told that creating a VPN will make both computer unsecure.

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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#183499 11-Dec-2008 13:12

A VPN won't make the computers unsecure - but depending on the configuration you may have to forward ports which means people will see those ports open.

My suggestion is to use Logmein Hamachi. It is free (except for commercial use). I use it on all PCs here, including the Windows Server 2008 boxes hosting Geekzone, Exchange Server and development environments.

It's a good option since it requires no router configurations, and no incoming ports. You can set it to show advanced options and when right-clicking the members on your VPN you can select pairings to have the communications between those encrypted.

ZollyMonsta

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#183502 11-Dec-2008 13:34

Thanks.. So Haimaichi wont interfere with things like Shoutcast streaming and LogMeIn?

freitasm

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#183503 11-Dec-2008 13:35

No, it won't.

xpd

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#183504 11-Dec-2008 13:35

The LogMein Services are great, however when I was using Hamachi about 18 months ago, I came across a problem where noone could connect to my system over the local LAN for games - I could see other LAN servers fine. This was with Hamachi turned "off" - soon as I removed the software completely , people could connect to my machine again.

So just be aware of that potential issue if you share anything over local LAN but as I said, it was about 18 months ago, so may have been short term bug.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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ZollyMonsta

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#183505 11-Dec-2008 13:39

freitasm: No, it won't.

Thanks again :)
I will also contact GoodSync to see if there are any issues that they're aware of when using it.

freitasm

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#183508 11-Dec-2008 13:43

I haven't had any problems with Hamachi - have four networks, and about 12 PCs (servers and personal) on the networks...

ZollyMonsta

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#183516 11-Dec-2008 14:09

Installed on one PC... Hamachi network seems congested at the moment, can't connect. Is this a usual occurance?

Quic Broadband

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freitasm

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#183518 11-Dec-2008 14:11

No, it's not a normal occurrence, but give it some time. It uses a P2P protocol so it will connect.

Once you configure it you will be able to create a network. Install the software on another PC and from there join your newly created network.

That's all. Now both PCs are in the same network and can see each other like they would if they were together in the same room... You can map drives, share files, etc...

ZollyMonsta

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#183521 11-Dec-2008 14:14

Sounds good. Will keep trying. Will the both PCs automatically reconnect to the network and rejoin each other should something occur (a PC reboot or power interruption?).

Will work on it and post back here if I get stuck :)

RedJungle

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#183530 11-Dec-2008 14:48

I came across a problem where noone could connect to my system over the local LAN for games

I've come across this as well - Hamachi adds it's own virtual NIC to the machine and some games won't let you choose which NIC is the actual LAN and try to use the Hamachi one. The workaround I use is to disable the Hamachi NIC temporarily.

ZollyMonsta

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#183542 11-Dec-2008 15:16

Having trouble with it on the PC going through router running DD-wrt.. is there any port forwarding I need to do?
The other PC is fine.

freitasm

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#183547 11-Dec-2008 15:24

No port forwarding is required - I actually have four Hamachi clients behind a single router on a TCL cable connection. Make sure Hamachi can communicate with the world on your PC firewall...

ZollyMonsta

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#183619 11-Dec-2008 20:16

Ok, got it all up and working now. I think they were doing some work on the servers. This software is actually very cool!

A couple of questions:

If the remote PC is connected to the local PC via Himachi (mapped Drive) and the Himachi servers have issues, will the remote PC no longer be able to talk to the local PC? I gather not as Himachi is only used for the initial connection?
Will my Himachi IP address ever change? Or remain the same?

I've mapped the shared data drive accessed via Himachi as a network drive and selected 'reconnect at login'.
I've selected the option so no other users can connect to my private network now, and created a long password.

The sync software seems to be happy, for the time being :) Now if only they would add email reporting so I know whats being done on the remote side ;)

Cheers,
Grant

freitasm

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#183632 11-Dec-2008 21:19

Once the connection is established it's a direct peer-to-peer communication so you shouldn't have problems. Thy warn of upcoming resets on the networks via messages that blink in your system tray - the reconnection is automatic.

If you have shared folders make sure your PC is configured to only allow authenticated access - which means having a password on your users so that you can authenticated when accesing the services.

You will only lose your IP address if your configuration files are lost. Open Hamachi, click the "Open Configuration Folder" button and copy the files and folders to a backup location - or add that to your backup routine.

Also log to http://my.hamachi.cc and make sure you take ownership of each client and the networks - this way you will be able to transfer IP addresses if needed.

Lastly, this consultancy job costs you - we will be sending the invoice or you come to our drinks this weekend and pay some beers...

ZollyMonsta

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#183651 11-Dec-2008 23:15

Done the registering of IPs.. I must be missing something when it comes to setting a password for the shared drive.
There's no option anywhere to set user access or a password. Running Windows XP Home edition (SP2)